Ireland’s Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has announced updates related to the work on development of six surgical hubs across the country. 

The primary objective of these hubs is to cut down waiting lists for day procedures.  

Developed at key locations, the surgical hubs are either on Model 4 hospital sites or on locations under the governance of the hospital. 

In June, the minister announced the site selections for the six surgical hubs.  

Donnelly stated that fit out works are currently underway at the Mount Carmel hub in South Dublin, with the first phase expected to be completed early in 2024. 

Planning permission for the hub at the Swords Business Campus in North Dublin has been granted by Fingal County Council, and the tender process is now complete, with the work set to commence shortly. 

The hub at Galway's Merlin Park has received planning approval. With the tender process being completed at the site, the contract is set to be awarded. 

A planning application was submitted for the development of the hub at CUH in Cork. Enabling works at the site are already underway. 

Meanwhile, planning applications have been lodged for the development of the hubs at UHW, Waterford and at the Scoil Carmel site in Limerick. 

These new hubs are modelled on the Reeves Centre at Tallaght University Hospital, which has reported significant reduction in waiting times for day-case procedures.Top of Form 

Donnelly said: “We have now seen a second year in a row with a reduction in waiting lists and I am determined that we will see a further reduction in the number of patients waiting in 2024.  

“The surgical hubs will add to our reduced waiting times for day-case procedures in 2024.”